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Lithium-ion battery fires: a new fire class

Anas SAHILI

The ISO 3941:2026 standard introduces fire class L, dedicated to lithium-ion batteries. A major step forward given the growing risk these fires pose in professional environments.

Why a new class?

Li-ion fires behave unlike any other:

- Rapid thermal runaway

- Re-ignition possible hours after initial extinguishing

- Toxic gases and extreme temperatures (>1000°C)

- Extinguishing can be complex, sometimes requiring thousands of litres of water

Point right Conventional extinguishers are insufficient. A dedicated class was needed.

What does Class L cover?

Only lithium-ion battery fires (not metallic lithium).

X Does not cover solid (A), liquid (B), gas (C), metal (D), or cooking oil/grease (F) fires.

Extinguishing methods:

- Massive water cooling

- Prolonged immersion

- Li-ion specific agents (in development)

- Post-fire monitoring mandatory

Impact on workplaces: training & risk assessments

Class L changes the game:

- Fire training must be updated

- Emergency procedures revised

- Charging and storage areas secured

- Risk assessments (RA / DUERP) updated to include “Li-ion Fires – Class L”

Where is the risk?

Virtually everywhere:

- E-bikes and e-scooters

- Power tools

- Cleaning robots

- Smartphones, laptops, tablets

- Electric vehicles

- Energy storage cabinets

- Batteries and cells

Prevention and training are now essential. Class L isn’t just another regulation – it’s a paradigm shift in fire safety.

Parents

  • I think that BS 3941 2026 has been released a little premature so to speak.  Maybe there should be a Class M (other Class names are available for use)

    Class M for Mixed-Ion

    Li-ion battery in phones, tablets even vehicles are quite well documented and also how fast they can spread a fire or potentially be the cause of the fire.  But 

    Class M for Mixed-Ion could contain other ION type chemistries like Sodium-Ion which are already being trialed in motor vehicles.

  • in reply to Sergio Fernandez

    There are multiple types of Li-ion batteries.  For examples Lithium iron phosphate has a much much lower fire risk but insureres and other uneducated folk lump it in with the type in your escooter which are a very high fire risk.

    It doesn't help that when you speak it, Li-ion sounds like Li-iron

    Fire Risk by Battery Chemistry

    • Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄): Lower fire risk due to a more stable chemical structure.  Thermal runaway typically starts at around 310°C, much higher than other types.  These batteries are less prone to fire under normal conditions and are preferred in safety-critical applications.

    • Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC): Higher energy density but higher fire risk.  Thermal runaway begins at approximately 150°C, and these batteries release more oxygen during failure, increasing fire intensity. 

    • Lithium-ion (Li-ion) and Lithium-Polymer (LiPo): Common in consumer electronics and micromobility devices. Higher fire risk due to flammable organic electrolytes and high energy density.  LiPo batteries, often used in drones and RC models, are particularly vulnerable to damage and rapid thermal events. 

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  • in reply to Sergio Fernandez

    There are multiple types of Li-ion batteries.  For examples Lithium iron phosphate has a much much lower fire risk but insureres and other uneducated folk lump it in with the type in your escooter which are a very high fire risk.

    It doesn't help that when you speak it, Li-ion sounds like Li-iron

    Fire Risk by Battery Chemistry

    • Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄): Lower fire risk due to a more stable chemical structure.  Thermal runaway typically starts at around 310°C, much higher than other types.  These batteries are less prone to fire under normal conditions and are preferred in safety-critical applications.

    • Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC): Higher energy density but higher fire risk.  Thermal runaway begins at approximately 150°C, and these batteries release more oxygen during failure, increasing fire intensity. 

    • Lithium-ion (Li-ion) and Lithium-Polymer (LiPo): Common in consumer electronics and micromobility devices. Higher fire risk due to flammable organic electrolytes and high energy density.  LiPo batteries, often used in drones and RC models, are particularly vulnerable to damage and rapid thermal events. 

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